Propane tank cover

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed to cover a propane tank located on a property by providing a shell that covers, hides and protects the propane tank; and beautifying and blending with the current landscape and enhancing the value of the property.

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No.61/458,689 filed on Nov. 29, 2010, the content of which is incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tank covers and morespecifically it relates to a decorative propane tank cover that becomespart of the landscaping.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Wood fences are commonly used to hide the propane tanks located by homesor businesses. At times users build wood fences to hide ugly propanetanks in yards. The fences warp, rot, split, and fall down. The woodfences also fade or bleach to an ugly brown or grey and have to bepainted every two to three years. It is understandable that thesemethods are inadequate at times because of the costly time-consumingeffort required to keep them attractive. It is also important to makesure the fence posts do not rot or get termites. In some instanceshomeowners have gone to an even greater expense by burying the tanksunderground.

The use of certain prior art products such as US patent application2007/0125789 help to cover up the propane tank but it is still obviousthat it is a propane tank under the cover. Because the tank cover ismade from fabric it is questionable how long the fabric cover will last.The biggest problem with the fabric tank cover is that it has no realaesthetic value to hide the tank. It still looks like an unattractivepropane tank in your front yard. An aesthetic landscape tank cover thatovercomes the numerous problems associated with prior art would bevaluable to these trades and many others.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, systems and methods are disclosed to cover a propane tanklocated on a property by providing a shell that covers, hides andprotects the propane tank; and beautifying and blending with the currentlandscape and enhancing the value of the property.

In another aspect, systems and methods are disclosed for a cover with abody adapted to house a propane tank with propane tank control knobstherein, the body having a camouflaged shell with one or more air ventson the camouflaged shell; a lid on the body to allow access to thepropane tank control knobs; and means for securing the body to ground.

Implementations of the above aspect can include one or more of thefollowing. The system can have an access area (or lid as the case maybe) for meter reading, servicing and filling the propane tank. Thepresent invention is typically made of plastic composition such aspolyethylene and is an excellent candidate for 100% recycled material orany blend thereof. Due to the lightweight material, the presentinvention can be removed in minutes as may be required. The tank covercan be manufactured in numerous colors to blend in with any geographicarea of the world.

Other embodiments of the above aspect can provide one or more of thefollowing:

1) An aesthetic cover for a propane tank;

2) A maintenance free tank cover;

3) A cost effective tank cover;

4) A tank cover that may be efficaciously nested to reduce shippingcosts;

5) A landscape product to blend in with existing landscaping;

6) A product to help control the expansion of propane in hot weather;

7) An aesthetic product to increase the value of the property;

8) A product that makes an eyesore on your property disappear;

9) A protective cover for propane tanks that enhances child safety;

10) A product that can use recycled plastic;

11) A Product to keep the propane tank regulator from freezing in coldweather;

12) A product to keep the propane tank regulator line from being crushedby heavy snow fall.

Furthermore, the preferred embodiments can be used in order to hideugly/obtrusive propane tanks, blend in with the existing landscaping,enhance the value of the home/business and will be virtually maintenancefree.

Advantages of the preferred embodiments may include one or more of thefollowing. The decorative landscape propane tank cover of the preferredembodiment overcomes the problems associated with prior art. Thepreferred embodiment will not rot, is termite and rodent proof. It alsoprovides a positive environmental quality as it helps keep the sun fromexpanding the propane in the tank, which may cause the release valve toexpel propane into the atmosphere. The decorative landscape propane tankcover would typically be shaped to look like a large rock or boulder andblend in with the landscaping of a yard. It completely covers thepropane tank and hides otherwise ugly green, brown, orange, rusted orother discolored propane tank surfaces. It may be secured to the groundby stakes or bolted in place to concrete. They require no paint, stain,or rebuilding, as the cover and is virtually maintenance free. Typicallythe tank cover can be manufactured in numerous colors to blend in withany geographic area of the world. There is also the child safety factor;in that children now longer have access to the propane tank, fittingsand valves. Additional benefits to the preferred embodiment are that theaesthetic value of the tank cover inherently increases the value of thehome or business. Plants may also be planted or placed nearby to furtherenhance the appearance and value of the home.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention described herein will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which disclose several embodiments of theinvention. It should be understood, however, that the drawings aredesigned for the purpose of illustration and not as limits of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment illustratingthe components that make up the preferred embodiments and their relatedelements.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary rock cover enclosing a propane tank.

FIG. 3A-3B show before and after views of the preferred embodimentproviding a cover for residential and commercial propane tanks thatlooks like a natural rock.

DESCRIPTION

A. Description of the Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a rock cover 10 consists of a large body 20 and a top lid30. Inside rock cover 10 is propane tank P. Body 20 is in the generalshape of a large boulder and has air vents 22 a and 22 b on one sidewith similar air vents 22 c and 22 d on the opposite side (not shown).Optional air vents may also be placed in other locations such as theends, mid-body locations or on the top.

In body 20 there are six recesses, 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, and 26 d, 26 e, and26 f, (not shown) near the bottom edge 27. At the base of these recessesare holes 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d, 28 e, 28 f, (not shown) that serveas stake down locations. Alternatively any other form of stake-down orsecuring method may be used such as protruding feet, metal brackets andso on. These stake-down methods can be used to secure and protect thetank cover against high winds and storms.

Top lid 30 is shown in an open disposition with lid opening 24 exposingthe underlying tank filling assembly F, as shown with sufficient girthto allow easy access for meter reading, filling and servicing.

The top lid 30 is shown attached to the main body 20 with two hingeswhich are located on one side of the lid. Top lid 30 may also beattached into the main body 20 by simple downward pressure, and removedby simple upward pressure, without the use of hinges.

Body 20 is typically made of plastic such as polyethylene with an outersurface that emulates that of a rock boulder. This outer surface istypically prepared with a texture and coloring that would typicallymatch the locale geology. For example in the western Sierras it mayemulate granite, whereas in the southwest it may emulate sandstone orthe classic red clay common in northern Arizona.

The size and shape of rock cover 10 is based on the various sizes ofpropane tanks found within the United States and the world, whichtypically range in size from 150 gallons to 1,000 gallons.

B. The Preferred Embodiment in Use

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary rock cover enclosing a propane tank, whileFIG. 3A-3B shows before and after views of the preferred embodimentproviding a cover for residential and commercial propane tanks thatlooks like a natural rock. It is lightweight, durable, aestheticallypleasing, easy to install, and environmentally safe. Placed over theunsightly tank, it will enhance the landscape and increase the value ofa property. The propane tank cover is available in five differentcolors, to match natural rock formations. The preferred embodiment whenin use covers the underlying propane tank but also protects it in manyways. For example, the air vents 22 a and 22 b allow for sufficientairflow to help cool the tank during hotter days, so the propane gaswill not expand and accidently escape into the atmosphere. During thewinter, rain and snow are kept off the propane tank and will helpprevent rust, weathering, and bleaching of the tank. The tank cover willalso keep children from playing on the actual propane tank improvingsafety at home. The cover can be a beautiful, hollow rock that simplygoes over the top of the tank to cover it up. The rock is UV protectedso it will not fade, crack, freeze or rot, and is termite resistant.There is a hinged lid in the top of the rock which opens to allow you tocheck your propane gauge and to facilitate filling the tank. Now,instead of a huge tank in your yard, you have a beautiful rock thatbecomes part of the natural landscape. Rather than detracting from thevalue of your home, you have added to it. More exemplary uses of thepreferred embodiments are discussed at http://rockonpropanecovers.com,the content of which is incorporated by reference.

The preferred embodiment as shown looks like a large rock boulder withan inconspicuous hinged, removable lid for access to the propane tank.The Tank Cover . . . .

Does not fade because it is UV protected

Will not crack, split, rot or rust

Protects the propane tank from propane expansion and loss during the hotsummer months

Protects the regulator from freezing during winter weather

Keeps snow from accumulating on your tank and regulator

Installs in 15-30 minutes

Has airflow vents in the top and bottom for ventilation

Has a lid in the top of the rock to fill the propane tank and checkpropane levels

Fits a 500 gallon propane tank or smaller

Replaces warped, rotting fences that were built to hide the propane tank

Can be used to cover a number of other unsightly items in your yard suchas swimming pool equipment and utility boxes

The tank cover may also be in any other number of shapes, for example, adinosaur, and elephant sitting at rest, a stepped waterfall or sittingbench and so on. The key aspect of the preferred embodiment is to serveas a shell that sufficiently covers, hides and protects the underlyingpropane tank while beautifying and blending in with the currentlandscape as well as enhancing the value of the property.

D. Method of Manufacture (May Include the Associated Process)

The preferred embodiment is typically made by the process of rotationalmolding, but may also be made by blow molding, fiberglass fabricationand so on. It is typically manufactured from a plastic type polyethylenematerial that is either virgin, recycled or a combination of thesematerials, but may be made of any number of plastic or combinationmaterials include celluloid. The thickness of the material is typically⅛ to ⅜ inch thick but may be any suitable thickness based ondesirability in a given region. For example, in geographic areas thathave extreme cold temperatures thicker plastics may be desirable or foaminsulation can be added.

E. Variations

The spirit of the present invention provides a breadth of scope thatincludes all methods of making and using it. Any variation on the themeand methodology of accomplishing the same that are not described hereinwould be considered under the scope of the present invention.

Various modifications and alterations of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims.It should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do notnecessarily need to be performed in the order that they are recited.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations inperforming the steps from the order in which they are recited. Inaddition, the lack of mention or discussion of a feature, step, orcomponent provides the basis for claims where the absent feature orcomponent is excluded by way of a proviso or similar claim language.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams maydepict an example architectural or other configuration for theinvention, which is done to aid in understanding the features andfunctionality that may be included in the invention. The invention isnot restricted to the illustrated example architectures orconfigurations, but the desired features may be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical or physical partitioning and configurations may be implementedto implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, amultitude of different constituent module names other than thosedepicted herein may be applied to the various partitions. Additionally,with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and methodclaims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall notmandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recitedfunctionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read asrequiring that each and every one of those items be present in thegrouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or”should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, butrather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of theinvention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural iscontemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to thesingular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and may further be distributedacross multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limitedto the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

1) A cover system, comprising: a body adapted to house a propane tankwith propane tank control knobs therein, the body having a camouflagedrigid shell with one or more air vents on the camouflaged shell; a lidon the body to allow access to the propane tank control knobs; and meansfor securing the body to ground. 2) The system of claim 1, wherein thebody comprises an aesthetic cover for the propane tank. 3) The system ofclaim 1, wherein the top lid comprises a maintenance free tank cover. 4)The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a cost effective tankcover. 5) The system of claim 1, wherein the body is nestable to reduceshipping costs. 6) The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises alandscape shape to blend with existing landscaping. 7) The system ofclaim 1, wherein the body housing controls an expansion of propane inhot weather. 8) The system of claim 1, wherein the body forms anaesthetic product to increase property value. 9) The system of claim 1,wherein the body hides one or more eyesores from a property. 10) Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the body forms a child-proof protective coverfor propane tanks to enhance child safety. 10) The system of claim 1,wherein the body comprises recycled plastic. 11) The system of claim 1,wherein the body comprises insulation to keep a propane tank regulatorfrom freezing in cold weather. 12) The system of claim 1, wherein thebody prevents a propane tank regulator line from being crushed by heavysnow fall. 13) The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a largeboulder. 14) The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises air ventson one side with similar air vents on an opposite side and air vents onone or more ends, mid-body locations or top. 15) A cover system,comprising: a large boulder body adapted to house a propane tank withpropane tank control knobs therein, the body having a camouflaged shellwith one or more air vents on the camouflaged shell, the body having alandscape shape to blend with existing landscaping and forming achild-proof protective cover for propane tanks to enhance child safety;air vents on one side with similar air vents on an opposite side, airvents on one or more ends, mid-body locations or top; a lid on the bodyto allow access to the propane tank control knobs; and stake accessholes for securing the body to ground, wherein the body comprises anaesthetic cover for the propane tank, the top lid comprises amaintenance free tank cover, the body comprises a cost effective tankcover and nestable to reduce shipping costs, wherein the body housingcontrols an expansion of propane in hot weather and insulation to keep apropane tank regulator from freezing in cold weather and a propane tankregulator line from being crushed by heavy snow fall. 16) A method tocover a propane tank located on a property, comprising: providing ashell that covers, hides and protects the propane tank; and beautifyingand blending with the current landscape and enhancing the value of theproperty. 17) The method of claim 16, comprising providing a bodyadapted to house a propane tank with propane tank control knobs therein,the body having the camouflaged shell with one or more air vents on thecamouflaged shell; a lid on the body to allow access to the propane tankcontrol knobs; and means for securing the body to ground. 18) The methodof claim 17, comprising nesting the body to reduce shipping cost. 19)The method of claim 16, comprising child proofing the propane tank witha lock. 20) The method of claim 16, comprising insulating the propanetank.